When a memorable day occurs, when it's all done, I guess, it is common to sit back and to try to understand the recipe that produced the experience. Usually there is one overriding factor that influences all that happened. This one was easy to figure out, we had crossed over into the living past. Nothing complicated about that.
Only the South could have produced our day. I'll go you one further, only the French South could have produced our day. Understanding the 18th and 19th Century cultural strati in New Orleans helps one interpret the varied settlements throughout rural Louisiana. There is a difference between the Creole (American born French of European descent) and the descendents of other nationalities and backgrounds. The Creoles of New Orleans had their courtyards, protected by the high, often broken glass topped walls in which to retreat. The Creoles of the countryside had their homes, grounds and gardens in which to do the same. Because work and home were so necessarily intertwined, enclaves of lush gardens and stately homes could be found surrounded by fiery and fuming mills and acres upon acres of fields.
That description covers where we were going.
We arrived. The home was sitting in a sea of sugarcane. But..
during part of the year the surroundings resemble being on
a semi-featureless flat plain except for the villages and these
enclaves which were, and are, oases from work in the fields and mills.
The Grounds
The dark cloudy, and even somewhat cool day, enhanced the
the feeling of being in an enclosure. But, nothing was confining
about this large park. I had visions of the prettier parts of
City and Audubon Parks in New Orleans.
There were differences.
Mushrooms have taken hold of this tree. There is no lack
of moisture in the air of the southern parishes.
This bridge is the only link to the lagoon's island.
Hedges create a state of order in a garden or yard. To the
visitor, or rather this visitor, it says, "You are on my property
and this is the way you are expected to behave". If you
have disrespectful visitors, plant hedges, that will fix 'em.
The grounds were peppered with artifacts.
The old boy seemed preoccupied.
These had been built by a foundry in New Iberia.
The ants had prepared a display of the rich black soil that
supports the sugarcane industry.
I believe this was a small steam engine.
At the Victorian house was this Gothic entrance structure.
The local architect believes it is linked to the first owners
who attempted a winery here. It may have been a wine "cellar".
You wouldn't build a cellar here.
A red clad gargoyle stands ready.
There was a range of architecture on the property.
This one was the Vicky.
Sitting on the verandah with Miranda?
I guessed the brick structure to be a gold fish pond.
The pool is not Victorian. I understand there have been
a few parties here. Beyond the houses are the fields. I wonder
if any guests got lost out there amongst the cane.
And the facilities. Don't believe it or maybe so?
The pit.
The Big House
The Big House faces the fields. This is the back entrance.
I noticed the lightning rods. Remember, the weather was
always threatening.
Panning the front yard.
The architect had called this "Greek". I checked it out and it
does fall within that description. It is closer to a large townhouse
in size it seems to me. A townhouse would not have the adjoining
buildings or possibly it would. I suspect one was the kitchen.
I didn't get to ask any questions and I don't know Jack.
Turning around, this is the view. I can see the owner riding
in from the fields on his white stallion, possibly with Miranda?
Do not discount a woman being the boss here. In fact, a woman
saved this plantation and made it prosper. She was also the
first woman to own a bank in the state of Louisiana.
To the right is the garconierre, or roughly, the bachelor's pad.
Some quack?
What's my wife doing there?
Dear?
A gardener was working. Just kidding, that's Al.
THE COTTAGE
The architect used an unfamiliar name for this. I'd say
it was a traditional Cajun country home. He said it was
more than that when he found it. It had been converted
to the interim offices of the plantation and had undergone
several "renovations", such as cheap paneling. He said it was
a mess. This is 7 years into the restoration project.
Steve Cypel is the man doing it.
Naturally, the first thing you do is visit the attic or "upstairs".
This is where the children slept.
That the chimney.
A view of the bell tower from the front porch.
I forgot the term, but the walls were insulated with a mix
of moss and mud. The cracks are left because that is what
will hold the plaster in place.
This is looking out of the attic window.
The multiple bell tower.
A good shot of the home.
I've taken a lot of time "arranging" these pictures, it seems?
Miscellaneous Buildings
This is the yardman's restroom. I know, because my grandmother
had one in her yard. I had to use it. The statue is strategically located.
Possibly a storage shed, but there seems more to it.
The openings at the wall's base are interesting. Was it a
chicken house? Is it the rooster's house?
That's it for a look around the family's property. I have boxes
of history I could start posting, but I'm not getting into that.
If I did I'd divulge its location and that would not do. It is
a private place without the sharp glass topped walls to protect it.
There is a peacefulness under the arching trees. It is a
place where crossing over into the living past is very easy to do.
Don't tread here, I was told the rooster gets meaner as the sun goes down.
He would just be the beginnings of your problems.
PS: Al took a few of the pictures. Thanks Al.